My most recent research
interests have focused on problems related to democratic development in East
European and Eurasian countries. I have focused on problems of poverty in the
region, problems of reforms in the economy, especially reforms of utilities,
and institutional reforms associated with social welfare programs. I have
also been interested in problems of democratization for many years, especially
problems of democracy in transitional environments.

A related research interest
focuses on the role of international actors in promoting change in societies
undergoing democratic transitions. I have been especially interested in
understanding the role played by the World Bank and the United States Agency
for International Development in democratic reforms. An underlying
theoretical question associated with this research concerns how multilateral
and bilateral actors diffuse policies throughout the world.

Research Areas for St. Mary’s Projects in Political Science

My most recent research
interests have focused on problems related to democratic development in East
European and Eurasian states. I have focused on problems of poverty in the
region, problems of reforms in the economy, especially reforms of utilities,
and institutional reforms associated with social welfare and poverty
programs.

I have also been interested in
problems of democratization for many years, especially problems of democracy
in transitional environments. Democratization is an important and fruitful
area of study not only because of its obvious policy implications but also
because political scientists do not yet fully understand the
interrelationships of critical elements in democracy, the preconditions for
democratic consolidation, the dynamics of market development with democratic
transitions, and the role of external assistance in promoting democracy.

I approach these issues from
empirical and policy perspectives and welcome students who have an interest in
these types of issues regardless of their geographic area of interests. I am
also interested in student projects devoted to understanding World Bank
policies and behaviors in developing countries as it relates to democracy and
markets.